Wayne Highlands goes virtual for remainder of year

WAYNE COUNTY, PA — As Wayne County reports substantial positivity rates of COVID-19 for a second week, Wayne Highlands School District Superintendent Gregory J Frigoletto released the following message:

"It is with great disappointment that I reach out to inform you that due to an unfortunate number of positive coronavirus cases identified across the Wayne Highlands School District (WHSDsince this past Wednesday’s decision to continue in-person instruction, we are now going to have to move to full remote instruction beginning Monday, December 14.

"As I have stated previously, since the beginning of this school year, Wayne Highlands School District has worked diligently to adhere to the board-approved health and safety plan. Due to our mitigation efforts, I have described our in-school environment as perhaps one of the safest places for our students to be. The decision made this past Wednesday to remain in-person was made firmly believing that we could do so safely. The decision was also made with the complete understanding that the scenario could change quickly and if it did, so too would our decision to remain open in-person. Regardless of our efforts, we are now at the tipping point.

"To summarize, Wayne Highlands School District will move to district-wide remote learning beginning Monday, December 14. This will last for the remaining eight days of school leading up to the holiday break. As we go through the holiday season, we will continue to monitor data using it to assist us in determining how best to return after break. At this time that decision has not been made, with all options expected to be considered. To review, the options include traditional learning (in-person), remote learning (learning at home through Google Classroom/Zoom), or the “hybrid” model. We will announce the return-to-school plan no later than Wednesday, December 30.

"If the decision is made to return after the holiday break using the “hybrid” model, all WHSD students currently attending school in-person would be assigned to one of two different groups; either the “A” group or the “B” group. Students in the “A” group would attend school in-person on Mondays and Tuesdays, while students in the “B” group would learn remotely from home on those days, using Zoom and Google Classroom. All students would learn remotely from home on Wednesdays to provide the opportunity for a “deep clean” of our buildings. The “B” group of students would attend school in-person on Thursdays and Fridays while the “A” group learns remotely from home on those days. Please note that students from the same household will be assigned to the same group. You will be informed by your building principal(s) whether your child(ren) are designated as “A” or “B” prior to the holiday break.

"As the coronavirus situation continues to develop, we will continue to monitor the situation closely. We also urge you to keep taking the necessary precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our school community. If you or any members of your household develop symptoms of COVID-19 or have symptoms that worsen, notify your local health department or the Pennsylvania Department of Health immediately at 1/877-724-3258 and contact a healthcare provider.

"Please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website for the latest and most accurate information about COVID-19."